I have a “Bakers Cyst” in the back of my knee that recently gives me problems. When I’m lifting or moving around, I have no pain. It’s when I’m sedentary and then start moving around that I feel it.
I had this checked out 2 years ago and basically, the orthopedist stated it’s from arthritis. I’m 37 and this injury comes and goes.
Any thoughts? I take fish oil and glucosamine. Wanted to see if you have any similar experiences.
I don’t know what you mean by “checked out”. Did you have and MRI?
I had a Bakers cyst and a torn meniscus was the cause of mine and so I had surgery on the 23rd. They repaired the tear and the everything is fine. I know of a friend who had a meniscus tear fixed and he can still feel the cyst.
And it is my understanding they don’t remove a popliteal/Bakers cyst for the most part as they treat the causes.
It could be a simple tear. I’m 2wks from surgery and feel like I could push it a bit, but after 2 on my r knee, and being stupid about it, I am going to try to do the right thing.
good luck,
I had another friend told me they don’t usually remove them as it can be difficult. I just looked it up and it did say there is a lot of nerves and blood vessels behind your knee and if something goes wrong it can cause numbness and weakness in the leg and foot. I guess that is why your MD let you be in pain instead of removing the cyst.
In response to your question about the orthopedist “checking it out”, he did an X-Ray. He looked at the X-Ray and stated he could see a lower amount of meniscus (sp?) in the joint - which probably is leading to the arthritis. Is an X-Ray decent for evaluating, or should I request an MRI?
I do want to point out that I had 2 knee surgeries - one in 1988 and a total knee reconstruction in 1992. I really hadn’t had any issues since about 4 years ago. Again, it’s been off and on. For the most part, feeling good, but now it’s acting up.
Thanks again for the input. It looks like I’m not alone dealing with knee issues.
I don’t know why he just wouldn’t go with an MRI? WTF.
Needless to say an MRI shows everything. I’m pretty sure an x-ray won’t show a tear. I could be wrong. But it sure as hell isn’t as detailed as an MRI.
Is he the guy that did the reconstruction? If so, maybe he knows enough. I mean, did he basically say “live with the pain”? I don’t want to knock him, but if you have been in pain for that long, you have to have it fixed. If it is a Bakers cyst without a meniscus tear or other cartilage issue, then have it removed. You probably have, but just google bakers cyst and it will tell you everything.
And like I said, the cyst might be in a bad place and he doesn’t want the hassle. You might need to find a specialist. They thought mine had ruptured. It didn’t but if it does it will be a problem. Your calf will swell as the fluid fill into your calf. It will get fixed then.
I asked my surgeon about the artificial cartilage, Synvix,(sp) which I had put in my other knee and he didn’t seem to be to big on it.
I have been taking it easy since about the end of July and I’m about to go nuts as I’m trying to do the right thing. Even staying out of the gym as you are still putting pressure on the knee even with non-leg exercises. But I’m getting antsy and trying not to get stupid.
[/quote]
I could be out of line for calling this MD a dick for wasting your time with an x-ray after a total reconstruction and another surgery. I have some old x-rays and MRIs and I had to look for my MRI for my second knee thing. I saw an x-ray of my hip and having seen that the other day, I would like to know how this guy could give you any solid data about your knee. Tell this clown to stop wasting your time. I would be pissed at this guy if I was you, as I’m tired of these jagoffs.
Let me guess, he had an x-ray machine in his office so he could bill your insurance for that instead of sending you somewhere else for the MRI. Call me cynical. LOL.
What options does he give you?
I’m sure when you go back he’s going to say, “I think we should have an MRI taken”. Just back hand him when he says that. LOL.
My MD did a good job and I’m happy but MDs aren’t at the top of my list. They could chain a few of them with the lawyers they throw in the ocean. [/quote]
[quote]olderguy wrote:
I could be out of line for calling this MD a dick for wasting your time with an x-ray after a total reconstruction and another surgery. I have some old x-rays and MRIs and I had to look for my MRI for my second knee thing. I saw an x-ray of my hip and having seen that the other day, I would like to know how this guy could give you any solid data about your knee. Tell this clown to stop wasting your time. I would be pissed at this guy if I was you, as I’m tired of these jagoffs.
Let me guess, he had an x-ray machine in his office so he could bill your insurance for that instead of sending you somewhere else for the MRI. Call me cynical. LOL.
What options does he give you?
I’m sure when you go back he’s going to say, “I think we should have an MRI taken”. Just back hand him when he says that. LOL.
My MD did a good job and I’m happy but MDs aren’t at the top of my list. They could chain a few of them with the lawyers they throw in the ocean. [/quote]
Thanks for all the responses. I had the ortho exam 2 years ago when I lived in the Midwest. I now live in the Bay area- so I certainly won’t be returning to him. I probably will call the old physician and ask for my X-Rays and have the photos sent to my new MD. The physician I saw in the Midwest basically said 'lay off the squats, …"
I do have to give the prior MD credit- he did modestly recommend glucosamine, which has helped immensely. He was not the doctor who did my surgeries 15+ years ago.
However, a MRI is more accurate and next time I go in, I will ask for it. I’m not sure if I have a true meniscus tear, since it’s been off and on. However, if this persists, I will need to get it checked. The key is finding a good MD here in the Bay area, who understands athletes.
Thanks for all the input.
I’ve had two different sport orthos say doing MRI’s on damaged knees is a waste of time and money. The MRI is going to show damage no matter what. If the problem in our knee gets to the point it causes you too much trouble the doctor is going to have to go in there an look. Regardless of what an MRI shows.
Unless your knee is locking out or giving out on you then I wouldn’t get any cartilage trimming done. Long term studies are now showing that this procedure having been done the last 20 years has caused more harm then good.